smithy joe handmade: Birdy Bookends

Its been a LONG time since I posted anything (so much for that New Years resolution) but I had to share there adorable (if I do say so myself) bookends.

They are from Kaisercraft and are decorated and embellished with papers from Crate Paper. These have been in my stash for a really long time, just waiting for the perfect project!

I made these for my niece's birthday and when she opened them, she said to her Mum she didn't know what she had done to deserve such a present! Bless!

I spray painted the bases of these with a white acrylic gloss finish paint
but hand painted the birds and their wings in Folk Art acrylic paint.
I then gave them a couple of coats of a gloss finish varnish.

To secure the backs and the bases together I first glued them and then hammered a couple of nails through each one to hold them fast.
When it came time to attach the birds to the bases I did the same thing.

I used a small flat head nail that is reasonably thin so that it doesn't split the wood, however you do need to ensure you hammer the nails in perfectly straight, especially when attaching the birds to the bases!
You don't want the nail coming out the side, TRUST ME!!By nailing them together they are really strong and secure and won't be breaking easily!

I love using buttons in the middle of flowers with a bow tied through the middle.
It gives them a nice 3 dimensional finish.

The wings are glued into place with an Epoxy Resin Glue.
I don't normally use this in crafts but wanted something REALLY strong that I knew would hold fast.
I love how these wings are placed and the contrasting papers, they looks so cute!